Society of Minimally Invasive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of India (SMICTSI) 2025 has spotlighted India’s rapid rise as a global hub for robotic-assisted cardiothoracic surgery. The two-day international conference in Bengaluru brought together leading cardiac and thoracic surgeons, residents, and industry leaders to explore cutting-edge advances in minimally invasive cardiac procedures driven by robotics.
Hosted in collaboration with global robotic technology innovators such as Intuitive, the event showcased evidence-backed robotic applications in complex heart surgeries. With over 600 attendees, including 21 international experts, the conference featured live case presentations, workshops, expert panels, and roundtable discussions highlighting how robotic-assisted techniques are reducing trauma, accelerating recovery, and cutting hospital stays compared to traditional surgery.
Sathyaki Nambala, Organising Secretary and Chief Surgeon for Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, said:
“Platforms like this are tremendously important, not just to prepare the next generation of surgeons, but also to transform perceptions. Many young surgeons come in thinking robotic surgery isn’t for them, but when they see what’s possible, it changes everything. The enthusiasm we’ve seen at the conference from international faculty to emerging Indian practitioners has been remarkable. We're witnessing the evolution of cardiac surgery where robotic assistance is increasingly enabling us to perform complex procedures through minimal access. The human machine synergy demonstrated here points to an exciting future, where advanced, less invasive cardiac procedures will become accessible to patients across India, moving beyond a handful of specialized centres.”
Darla Hutton, Global Vice President, Cardiac Surgery at Intuitive, added:
“India stands out as a rapidly growing hub for robotic cardiac surgery on the global stage. With over 200 million people at risk or diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and only around 300,000 surgeries performed annually, the unmet need is significant. The combination of a large patient population requiring care, exceptionally skilled surgeons, and rapidly advancing adoption of robotic technologies like the da Vinci creates tremendous potential. The enthusiasm and expertise of Indian cardiac surgeons, coupled with growing patient acceptance, is placing India at the forefront of minimally invasive robotic cardiac surgery globally.”
With growing adoption in robotic CABG, mitral valve repair, and thoracic oncology procedures, India is positioned to become a leader in advanced, minimally invasive cardiac care—driven by improved outcomes, surgical precision, and a rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem.